What do you think about Formex watches ?

I don’t think about Formex watches. LOL

I don’t really connect with  the design of their watches; however I’m impressed by their technology. I’ve been tempted numerous times to buy one of their deployant clasps with the on-the-fly adjustment. That’s some really cool innovation!

Formex is an interesting brand. They're more of a manufacturer, really. They make parts and work with materials for a range of other brands and are quite good at it. The style of their own watches certainly isn't in my wheelhouse, however I can't help but admire a few particular models, like the carbon/ceramic case (wish suspension system) Leggera, or even the new field watch with the velcro strap, they are pretty great on the wrist. Super light and proper ergonomics.  

If they had a sexier name and marketed the tech/materials more effectively/tastefully I think they'd be on many more peoples' radar. If you dig their style I'd seriously recommend trying them on. They are surprisingly good. 

I was going to say that they offer solutions for problems that don't really exist, but then I was reminded that they do have that neato clasp. The name is rather unfortunately generic sounding.

They seem to want to take my money.  But I'm playing hard to get.  

Great quality watches, fun designs but I can't see myself spending that much on a microbrand 

Love at first sight

100% agree, if I was moved by a particular design it seems like a no brainer. Their clasps and on the fly micro adjust bracelets are top notch.  Does anyone know if the two holes on their clasps make it difficult to use with other straps? are the holes on a strap standard distances apart from one another?

currently torn on pulling the trigger on a formex...

I appreciate them.  Probably will never own one.

You read my mind - I'm really curious about that as well. Are strap hole distances standardized?

The Formex clasp is 18mm , which many 20mm straps taper down to...so it would be awesome to be able to swap it onto other straps. 

Also did longines license that tech for their Zulu on leather? I mean it’s like a direct copy

I own the Essence 39 with the white dial. Beautiful watch.

I love the chronometer certification. I own the braclet and the leather strap with the carbon clasp. Both feel really good on the wrist. My only problem with the braclet is that it is a B*tch to get to the perfect size. 

I really like their expasion mechanism. People think its a gimmick. But I can feel the difference when wearing it and it makes so very comfy.

Would recommend it to everyone who is looking for a daily driver. They are doing a really great job over there.

Please change the name

I love their style. I love their innovative practical tech applications. I love what they do with carbon. I love that they don't have 'Tiffany' and pink dials.

I don't like the 4 screws on the front of many of their watches. I think it disrupts the flow of the finish. Of course I don't like the royal oak because of the screws either FWIW.

My relationship with FORMEX : 

With a Black Bay 58 and a 1998 Speedmaster Pro as the backbone of my collection, a Sinn556 as a week-end watch, a 1955 Gold three-hander Doxa as a dress watch and a very vintage inspired StudioUnderd0g chronograph to boot, you might say I have fairly conservative tastes and I like my historical references.

After briefly owning a Longines Conquest VHP (loved it, fantastic quartz movement,  but a tad too bulky for my wrist), and fully aware that a 39 mm white dial Rolex OP was forever out of reach, I was on the lookout for something close (<40 mm), on a steel bracelet with on-the-fly adjustment, a well regulated Swiss caliber and a sub €1500 price tag to travel in worry-free mode in a post-Covid world.

And, lo and behold, comes the Formex Essence 39. 

A very modern design, a funky suspended case, a brand name with a tacky 1960s French vibe (think Moulinex, Solex), a dial copied/pasted from a Lady's Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118 (not at all a fan of Genta watches) , all  that from an almost unknown brand : in theory, nothing which should have grabbed my attention.

And, guess what ? I love it. And I keep checking the just released grey dial 41 mm Leggera.

This goes to show that, be it with people or watches, you need real life experience to make a judgement 

I'm a bit late to the party but will share my thoughts. Tl;DR: Formex is underappreciated and I compare favorably to Monta in the luxury microbrand segment (with Formex getting the edge if you favor modern designs).

I picked up a Formex Reef about 2 months ago in a trade and am absolutely blown away. I remember seeing the Reef about a year or 2 ago and thinking it wasn't really my jam, but with the ongoing proliferation of retro-inspired/reissues that are so prevalent these days, I have really leaned into modern divers (I also have a Vero Open Water and Sinn U50 in my collection) and the Reef is one of the best at any price point. 

As for Formex, the attention to detail, unabashedly modern design, level of finish (e.g. the indices, date window), technical innovation (e.g. interchangeable bezels), and amazing bracelet make it probably my favorite watch in the collection at the moment. The bracelet is amazing (on the fly adjust, thin links with great articulation, and excellent spring bar mechanism) and really makes it hard not to be disappointed by most bracelets from other brands. Movement aside (and movement is not something that I really concern myself with to be honest - as long as it works and is reliable, I'm happy), I think the Reef compares favorably to an Omega SMP (it's definitely more comfortable on wrist with a superior bracelet). 

I love independent brands and I really like the direction Formex is going and will undoubtedly get another Formex in the future.

they are sooo good! comfortable, beautiful, adjust easily, come in lots of sizes, shapes and colors especially now with changeable bezels on the Reef. I’ve owned over ten and still have six, and my brother and friends who have gotten their hands on them have not let go!